Best Time to See Squirrels in Iowa
May, April and September is the best time to see squirrels in Iowa. Based on 3,564 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when squirrels are most active across the year in Iowa.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
3,564 verified observations of squirrels in Iowa, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When squirrels are recorded in Iowa
Peak month
May
586 records (16.4% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 139 | 3.9% |
| February | 110 | 3.1% |
| March | 251 | 7% |
| Aprilpeak | 477 | 13.4% |
| Maypeak | 586 | 16.4% |
| June | 396 | 11.1% |
| July | 269 | 7.5% |
| August | 238 | 6.7% |
| Septemberpeak | 440 | 12.3% |
| October | 398 | 11.2% |
| November | 140 | 3.9% |
| December | 120 | 3.4% |
Squirrels you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Eastern Fox Squirrel | 1,341 |
| Eastern Gray Squirrel | 742 |
| Eastern Chipmunk | 734 |
| Groundhog | 443 |
| Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel | 158 |
| American Red Squirrel | 34 |
| Southern Flying Squirrel | 5 |
Sightings of squirrels in Iowa peak in May, when 586 of the year's 3,564 verified observations are logged — about 16.4% of the annual total. Activity stays high through May, April and September.
The quietest stretch is February, December and January, when squirrels are hardest to find — February sees just 110 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The squirrels you are most likely to encounter in Iowa are Eastern Fox Squirrel, Eastern Gray Squirrel and Eastern Chipmunk — the most-recorded species in the state. Each keeps its own seasonal rhythm, but the month-by-month pattern above reflects every reported sighting together.
Where to go
Best places to see squirrels in Iowa
- Effigy Mounds National Monument — National Monument
- Herbert Hoover National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
Plan your squirrel trip in Iowa
Start with live tours near Effigy Mounds National Monument, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Effigy Mounds National Monument
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main squirrel viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Effigy Mounds National Monument
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best squirrel viewing area in Iowa.
Viator
Broader backupBook a squirrel tour in Iowa
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
Gear to see them
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see squirrels in Iowa?+
May is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through May, April and September, based on 3,564 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are squirrels hardest to see in Iowa?+
February is the quietest month for squirrels in Iowa, with only 110 verified records.
Are squirrels active year-round in Iowa?+
Squirrels are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Iowa, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in May.
More wildlife in Iowa